Using Phenibut for Opiate Withdrawal

If you’ve heard people speaking about the positives of phenibut use, particularly for opiate withdrawal, you may be curious as to whether it could help you.

We’ve put together a complete guide to phenibut, including how it works, whether it’s safe to use and why some people are using it to withdraw from opiates.

What is phenibut?

Phenibut is a drug often marketed as a herbal supplement. It is classified as a depressant, meaning that it has a relaxing effect.

It is usually taken in tablet form or as a powder that can be mixed with liquid.

Other names for phenibut include:

Noofen
Anvifen
Fenibut

Although phenibut is approved for medical use in Russia and other Eastern European countries, it is not approved in the UK or USA.

Phenibut has developed a reputation for treating symptoms of anxiety, PTSD, depression and insomnia.

As a result, many people purchase this substance online in order to self-medicate.

There are not enough studies to show whether these claims are true, which is why it has not been approved for medical use in the UK.

Some people also claim that phenibut can help with opiate withdrawal, but again these claims have not been proven.

How does phenibut work?

Phenibut is very similar to gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a chemical produced in the brain.

It binds to receptors in the brain and causes a build-up of dopamine, which results in a euphoric effect once this excess dopamine is released. [1]

As a result, people who use phenibut may feel relaxed, happy and sleepy.

These effects are why some people believe it can help treat anxiety and depression, as well as the uncomfortable side effects caused by opiate withdrawal.

However, it is easy to build up a tolerance to phenibut. Your regular dosage may begin to have less effect, leading you to take more and more of this drug to experience the same effects.

This can increase your risk of overdose and potentially cause you to become dependent on phenibut.

Is phenibut safe to use?

Phenibut is not approved for use in the UK and USA as there have not been enough studies conducted to determine the safety of this substance.

Most of the current research is published in Russia, so until there have been sufficient studies in the UK to prove the safety of this substance, it is recommended that you do not use phenibut.

It is also not recommended to use phenibut when pregnant or breastfeeding, as there is not enough research or evidence to prove whether it is safe.

When a substance is unapproved and unregulated, there is no way to be sure that what you are taking is what you paid for.

It’s possible for suppliers to add other substances in order to bulk it out, and you may be taking more or less than you originally planned depending on the accuracy of the dosage.

This puts you at greater risk of experiencing an overdose, having a bad reaction and developing an addiction.

What happens during opiate withdrawal and why are people using phenibut?

Opiates are a type of drug that can relieve pain.

They are commonly prescribed after surgeries or severe injuries and are usually meant to be taken on a short-term basis, as they are highly addictive.

Unfortunately, it is becoming more popular to use opiates recreationally.

Heroin is one of the most well-known types of opiate drug, and this addictive substance can produce feelings of euphoria and relaxation that keep people coming back for more.

When people try to stop using opiates, particularly if they have been using them for a long time, they can experience extremely unpleasant withdrawal symptoms.

Opiate withdrawal symptoms include:

Nausea and vomiting
Stomach pains
Anxiety
Depression
Insomnia
Sweating
Muscle cramps
Diarrhoea
Cravings for opiates

Some of these symptoms are so uncomfortable that many people relapse during the withdrawal period and start using opiates again.

This can be dangerous as your tolerance to opiates is quickly lowered when you stop using it, so attempting to take your previously usual dose can quickly lead to an overdose.

Some people believe that phenibut can relieve some of these withdrawal symptoms such as depression, anxiety and insomnia, allowing people to withdraw from opiates without having to seek professional treatment.

It is not recommended to withdraw from opiates without medical supervision and support, and the supposed benefits of phenibut during opiate withdrawal have not been proven.

What are the side effects of phenibut?

Most people who use phenibut recreationally do so as the substance can give them a sense of relaxation and well-being.

Some report feeling happy, sleeping well and having a sense of euphoria.

However, not all of phenibut’s side effects are positive.

Alongside these reported side effects are a number of other, more uncomfortable sensations that come with using this substance.

Side effects of phenibut use include:

High blood pressure
Increased heart rate
Feeling irritable and agitated
Seizures
Drowsiness
Slow breathing
Delirium
Confusion
Muscle spasms
Dilated pupils
Tiredness and fatigue

Combining phenibut with other substances such as alcohol can cause other side effects, many of which can be dangerous.

These include an increased risk of coma and respiratory depression, which means you may find it difficult to breathe and may fall unconscious.

In these situations, you are at an increased risk of death and will require immediate medical attention.

What are the long-term effects of phenibut?

As phenibut has not been widely studied in the UK or USA, there isn’t a lot of credible information about the potential long-term effects of using this substance.

What is known, however, is that the longer someone uses phenibut the more difficult it can be to stop using it. [2]

If you are considering using phenibut to assist the process of opiate withdrawal, be aware that this substance is addictive in its own right and can be difficult to stop using.

Phenibut withdrawal can be extremely unpleasant, and tolerance can build in as quickly as three days.

Symptoms of phenibut withdrawal include:

Severe anxiety and stress
Depression
Hallucinations
Paranoia
Strong feeling of fear and dread
Loss of appetite
Nausea and vomiting
Fever
Stomach and muscle cramps
Insomnia

If you don’t want to be a guinea pig for the potential long-term effects of phenibut, you should avoid using this substance.

Is phenibut addictive?

Although many people promote the supposed benefits of phenibut, the truth is that this substance can be addictive.

People who try to stop using phenibut often experience severe withdrawal symptoms, which can make it difficult to recover in the long-term.

Phenibut is not prescribed by doctors in the UK, so it can be difficult to regulate the dosage even if you don’t intend to use it to achieve a high.

Studies have found that most people quickly develop a tolerance to phenibut. [3]

As a result, they need to use more of this substance to achieve the same effects. Over time, this can result in addiction and potentially overdose.

As phenibut has not been approved as a medical drug in the UK or USA, any phenibut you purchase is unregulated and may contain a higher dose than you realise. This can be dangerous and also increases the risk of addiction.

How long does phenibut stay in your system?

In most cases, phenibut will leave your body after 30 hours. [4]

Phenibut has a half-life of 5.3 hours. The half-life of a drug is a measure of how long it takes for a substance to reduce by 50% in your body.

There are several factors that can influence how long phenibut stays in your system.

These include:

Age
Hydration level
Metabolism
Dosage
Frequency of use

The levels of phenibut can build up in your body if you regularly use this substance. This means it can take longer than 30 hours for it to leave your system.

Many drug screenings in the UK do not test specifically for phenibut, but those that do can detect it in your urine for up to four weeks.

Who can and can’t use phenibut?

As phenibut is not approved for use in the UK, it is not recommended that anyone take this substance until more studies have been carried out to determine its safety.

Some people may be particularly vulnerable to addiction when using phenibut, and these people in particular should avoid this substance.

This includes people who are currently in active addiction, people recovering from addiction and people who have a close family member who has experienced addiction.

For this reason, it is not recommended that you use phenibut to help you withdraw from opiates.

Those who are living with a mental health disorder such as schizophrenia or psychosis should also avoid phenibut, as chronic use has been linked to these conditions.

How can I recover from opiate addiction without using phenibut?

It can be difficult to stop using opiates without professional help.

According to research, the most effective way to recover from opiate addiction is to complete an inpatient rehab treatment programme. [5]

Using phenibut has not been approved for opiate withdrawal and there have not been enough studies conducted to show whether it is effective.

Instead, consider attending rehab and undergoing a professional treatment programme for opiate withdrawal.

Detox

Completing a medical detox is the first step in your treatment programme.

Detoxing involves slowly decreasing your opiate use over a short period of time, usually 7-10 days. This gives your body time to get used to such a big change and rebalance safely.

Most people will experience withdrawal symptoms during this process such as nausea, vomiting and muscle cramps.

At rehab you will be closely monitored by medical staff and given medications to help these symptoms if necessary.

Many people find it very difficult to get through the withdrawal process without professional help – their cravings for opiates can become so strong that they may end up relapsing and becoming discouraged.

Counselling

Once you have completed a detox, it’s time to address the mental and emotional side of your addiction.

Everyone can benefit from speaking to a counsellor and rehab is a great place to start. Your counsellor will help you to develop healthy coping strategies for dealing with cravings, stress or any mental health conditions – this may involve mindfulness, medication or specific types of therapy.

Counselling is also a safe place where you can speak openly about your emotions and experiences without fear of judgement, and feel cared for by another person.

Aftercare

Your treatment doesn’t end when you leave rehab. It’s important to access aftercare services to help you continue your sobriety and deal with cravings, which can come and go over the years.

In most cases, your counsellor will inform you about local aftercare services – these may include regular support groups, ongoing counselling sessions, sober living houses, rehab alumni groups and outpatient programmes.

These services are a great way to meet other people who are also prioritising sobriety, and helping to build your support system to combat feelings of loneliness and isolation.

Seeking help for opiate addiction with Rehab Recovery

You don’t have to suffer in silence if you are living with an opiate addiction.

We know how difficult it can feel to reach out for help, and we are here for you.

Many of our team have experienced addiction first-hand and can relate to the feelings of shame and hopelessness that you may be experiencing.

If you need support or advice on opiate addiction and recovery, call Rehab Recovery today on 0800 088 66 86.

Our friendly and non-judgemental team will be happy to answer any questions you may have and can provide a free telephone assessment if you wish.

We can also refer you to a rehab clinic if you are ready to seek help. We have connections to some of the top rehabs in the UK and will take your financial and lifestyle needs into account when referring you.

Reaching out for help doesn’t have to be scary – let us help you take the first step towards recovery.